Testimonials

As Director of Teaching Affairs at WECL this last year, I also had the opportunity to work more closely with administration and our Chinese partners. Their support, encouragement, and generosity made my experience in the Chinese education system, for the most part, comfortable and enjoyable.

At WECL College there is strong evidence of commitments to excellence in education and to the preparation of Chinese English students for the challenges of the twenty-first century. A good part of this was evident in the support given to the teachers who, with freedom of flexibility in teaching and evaluation strategies, were able to deliver effective successful programs. Thank you World Exchanges for this opportunity of a lifetime.

Gord Sly,
Director of Teaching Affairs

When I talk to my friends who are teaching at the moment, I tell them that I have a great idea for them when they retire. If they want a really positive way to end their teaching career, they should consider signing up for a year or two at WECL English College in China.

I had a two-year contract when I came to Yantai in September 2000. I joined twelve other teachers, guided through the joys of international plane travel by Jenny, our recruiter from Toronto. Right from the first, we felt that we had made a great decision. The accommodations were good. The people were friendly and the students were terrific. The workload was very reasonable with lots of free time to walk, cycle, explore the local market area or venture downtown. Students were always ready to come and help us if we needed to talk to anyone or find anything. Several holiday periods allowed us to go farther a field and see some of the wonders of this fascinating country.

The study programme was easy to implement with English texts chosen by Canadians and a Canadian director in charge of each centre. The students were a joy to work with, hardworking, serious and appreciative of everything we did for them. Many of them were adults who had been working and took a year off to learn English in hopes of improving their future prospects. I feel that many of them will be my friends long after their time with us is over.

I have taught in other situations but never felt as good about what I was doing as I have here at WECL. I do recommend that anyone with a yen to see other countries and a love of good teaching situations give it a try. I don't think he or she will regret it.

Margaret Bottley,
Teacher

I am from a small village in New Brunswick. After being retired for two years I was bored stiff. I finally decided that I had to do something and just by chance I read an ad that suggested teachers come to China to teach. At that point in my life I was no world traveler, I had never been out of North America but after Jenny, the recruiter assured me that she would get all the documents needed and accompany the teachers to China I signed a two year contract with WECL. It was one of the best things that I have ever done.

Teaching in China is like teaching students that we all dream will be in our classes when we begin our teaching careers. Most have graduated from university, many have worked for several years and they all want to learn as much as possible. They thank you for extra classes, look up to you and look after you, and become your friend as well as your student.

China is a fascinating country: a dull day in China is like an exciting day in New Brunswick. Any teacher who comes to China will be rejuvenated. I am two years older and feel ten years younger; it is just too bad that I don't look it!

Sharon Kitchen,
Director of Teaching Affairs

Teaching at WECL has been a very positive experience for me. The school is well run by an effective Director of Teaching Affairs. The courses are challenging and interesting. I find the students to be the finest I've ever taught in my 30+ years in the profession. They are diligent, motivated and productive.

WECL has been a year of challenges and rewards. I'm so glad I've had this opportunity to experience China in this way.

Dorothy Sigurdson,
Teacher

… And so, like all of us, you had always imagined that when you retire life would be ever so peaceful with no stress and no strain…. After a year or two of this blissful life you discover that "much of the sameness" is getting to you. Bridge two or three times a week, dining out followed by a show or theatre with your good friends by your side, you find that you say the same things to each other over and over again. Suddenly you realize that you are not in groove anymore but you refuse to believe that you are in a rut. You keep asking yourself, "Is This All There Is?"

Well, My Friends, look no further, "opportunity knocks but once at one's door…and WECL English College is knocking at your door and says; "Come to China and be rejuvenated, challenged and compensated beyond your wildest dreams." Sounds like a "come on" doesn't it? Well, believe me, the Chinese people are nothing less that incredible, charming, friendly, honest, hardworking and most appreciative of anything that you can do for them.

On behalf of my wife and I, we wish to tell you that should you decide to accept the challenge and come to China, we assure you that the experience will change you. Your life will never be the same again.

Frank Faber,
Teacher

I came to WECL English College last September to teach English. Although I had visited China twice in the past, I had never worked there.

Teaching at the College has been a great experience. WECL has an excellent curriculum and all teaching materials are the best available.

The students are delightful to teach. They are well motivated, polite and always eager to learn more. They study long hours, but despite that, they always want to learn "one more new word".

The time in China is very special for me. I am inspired by the students everyday. There's such kindness in their manner to everyone. I was very impressed and moved by the way the young men in the classes treated the girls. They have a caring attitude just like a wise elder brother.

How glad I am that I did not miss this opportunity. I will always thank Jenny for giving me the opportunity to come to China. Wherever I go, I will carry my dear precious students in my heart.

Bernadette Hargan,
Teacher